| Bangkok is Thailand's largest city with a population | | | | that travels above the city. It is a very efficient |
| of more than 10 million and is a hugely popular | | | | way to get around and stops at many of |
| destination for tourists. This article is a brief guide | | | | Bangkok's popular tourist attractions. Single tickets |
| for first time visitors to the city. | | | | are available although if you are making more |
| Climate | | | | than a couple of journeys an unlimited one day |
| Bangkok is a hot and humid city all year round but | | | | ticket is probably a better idea and is available for |
| for those planning a holiday in Bangkok, the best | | | | around 100 baht (£1.50). Another good way |
| time of year to visit is probably between | | | | to get around is by metered taxi. If the traffic is |
| November and February. This is when the city is | | | | moving in your favour it is a comfortable and |
| at its driest and coolest (only averaging | | | | quick way to get around. The buses are cheap, |
| 28°C!). March to May is the hot season and | | | | but crowded and challenging as the routes are |
| temperatures can reach an oppressive 40°C, | | | | numerous and are often marked only in Thai and |
| whilst frequent, torrential downpours and flooding | | | | the infamous three wheeled tuk-tuks are not |
| are commonplace during the rainy season | | | | worth the charge for anything other than a five |
| between June and September. | | | | or ten minute journey or the experience. |
| Eating | | | | Sightseeing |
| Both Thai and Western food is widely available in | | | | Bangkok's temples are some of its most popular |
| Bangkok. Whilst there are many excellent air | | | | tourist attractions with the majestic Grand Palace |
| conditioned restaurants to choose from, many | | | | being perhaps the most famous and a must see. |
| locals choose to eat from the numerous food | | | | The palace was formerly home to the king and |
| carts and stalls found around the city. Thai food is | | | | the entire Thai government until the turn of the |
| typically spicy with curries and stir fries being | | | | twentieth century. Entrance to the Grand Palace |
| favourites. Many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp | | | | costs 200 baht (about 3 pounds). The main focus |
| paste along with plenty of chillies, lime juice and | | | | for many visitors to the Grand Palace is the |
| lemon grass and are usually served with rice, a | | | | emerald Buddha, a 45cm tall statue carved out of |
| staple component of Thai cuisine. For the | | | | Jade. The Buddha is the most revered image in |
| adventurous, you will also find stalls selling fried | | | | Thailand and is the centre of national religious |
| insects on Bangkok's streets, with black water | | | | pride. It is really worth hiring a guide to visit the |
| beetles being a particular favourite. Food in | | | | Grand Palace as without one you may miss quite |
| Bangkok is relatively inexpensive and you can | | | | a lot. Visitors to the Grand Palace should note that |
| expect to pay between 50 and 100 baht | | | | there is a strict dress code enforced. Men should |
| (approximately £0.80 - £1.50) for a | | | | wear long trousers and sleeved shirts, whilst |
| plate of food and a soft drink. | | | | women should ensure their shoulders are covered |
| Getting Around | | | | and clothing is opaque. Bare feet are also |
| Possibly the best way to travel around Bangkok is | | | | disallowed so if you are wearing sandals or |
| the Skytrain. As the name suggests, this is a train | | | | flip-flops, socks must be worn as well. |